§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to seek to introduce a statutory right to paid leave of absence from work for persons who have to look after seriously ill dependants, including elderly parents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Government firmly believe that matters such as these are best dealt with between employers and employees according to their own needs, priorities and circumstances, rather than by Government or Community intervention. The question of such leave, of course, is presently being discussed in Brussels under the draft EC directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons.